While NCIS: Tony & Ziva is building excitement ahead of its September 4, 2025 premiere, one original NCIS character may need to change for the spinoff to succeed. Fans last regularly saw Tony and Ziva together in season 11, before Ziva was presumed dead in season 13 and Tony learned they had a daughter, Tali. In season 17, it was revealed that Ziva had faked her death and later reunited with Tony and Tali in Paris. The upcoming series will explore their life together on the run from a new threat, balancing relationship struggles with the challenges of raising their daughter.

Ziva’s character has developed over the years, but certain problematic patterns could hurt the spinoff if they persist. Her history of reckless behavior and divided loyalties, particularly during the Rivkin storyline, damaged her connection with Tony. She withheld critical information, placed unfair blame on him, and allowed mistrust-partly rooted in her complicated relationship with her father, Eli David-to push him away. In their past, she often became emotionally distant and disregarded Tony’s feelings, creating friction and eroding trust.

For NCIS: Tony & Ziva to resonate with fans, Ziva will need to show meaningful growth. She must move beyond her trust issues and untrustworthiness, while Tony and Ziva together work to rebuild their bond. This means confronting old habits, setting realistic relationship expectations, improving communication, and openly acknowledging their love. All of this will unfold in high-pressure situations, with the added weight of protecting Tali.

While building a healthy relationship is possible, much of the responsibility for change will fall on Ziva. If she fails to adapt, the emotional core of the spinoff could falter-no matter how thrilling the action may be.

NCIS: Tony & Ziva premieres September 4, 2025, with the first three episodes streaming on Paramount+.

Following the emotional and fatal finale of NCIS Season 22, big changes are in store for the long-running CBS procedural. Season 23, premiering October 14, 2025, will not only shift the narrative but also change its time slot.

The series is moving back to Tuesday nights at 8/7c, an hour earlier than its recent Monday night airing. This return to its original timeslot (Seasons 1–18) is part of CBS’s broader scheduling shake-up, likely to accommodate other NCIS spinoffs.

What to Expect in Season 23

Showrunner Steven D. Binder promises a more character-driven approach in Season 23, spotlighting personal and professional arcs across the team. Binder emphasized:

“We really want to get to everybody in a big way… If you’re invested in these people, this is going to be the season for you.”

Central to the upcoming season is Alden Parker (Gary Cole), whose world was shaken in the Season 22 finale. According to Binder, Parker will be “destabilized” and “out for revenge,” a shift from his typically composed demeanor – much like how Gibbs or Bishop reacted in past arcs.

Complicating things further is the fallout from Palmer’s (Brian Dietzen) discovery about Parker’s mother’s tampered death certificate. Meanwhile, Nexus is likely targeting LaRoche following his betrayal, setting the stage for intense storylines ahead.

What’s Next?

Alongside the main series, CBS is doubling down on the NCIS universe. NCIS: Origins (Season 2) and NCIS: Sydney (Season 3) will also premiere on October 14, 2025, possibly creating a Tuesday-night lineup of interconnected NCIS content.

More updates will surface as production continues, but one thing’s certain: Season 23 will be a fresh chapter with deeper character focus, high-stakes drama, and a new time to tune in.